Self-Powered Non-Contact Water Appliance

ABSTRACT

The self-powered non-contact water outlet appliance of the present invention is configured so as to be deployed at a point of use as a unitary housing that encases a power supply unit and a flow control system. The power supply unit includes a pipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet appliance and a power storage device that is charged by the electric generator. The generator is operatively responsive to a flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage. The flow control system includes an electronically actuated fluid flow control valve configured to control a flow of fluid through the outlet appliance, at least one sensor configured to sense a necessity to actuate the flow control valve, and a management system configured to manage operation of the flow control valve conditional to output received from the at least one sensor. Therefore, the water outlet appliance of the present invention may be connected to substantially any suitable water system supply pipeline at the point of use by performing a single connection action.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to non-contact flow control systems and,in particular, it concerns a self-powered non-contact water outletappliance having a flow control system that is powered by a power supplyunit, and the flow control system and the power supply unit are mountedwithin at least one casing element that is deployable at a point of useas a unitary housing.

It is known to provide non-contact flow control systems, especially inpublic restrooms for hygienic reasons. Such systems usually includeproximity sensors so as to control the flushing of a toilet or the flowof water through a faucet into a sink dependent on the presence of auser.

The systems of prior art are generally powered by electricity providedeither by the regular electrical system or by batteries. Both of thesesystems suffer from a number of disadvantages.

Systems powered by the regular electrical system suffer from the extracosts of running the necessary wiring to the location at which thesystem will be installed. This is an even bigger problem with regard toretrofit systems since wires are generally routed away from areas thatcontain water pipes so as to avoid shorting problems. Therefore,installation of retrofit systems usually requires the expensesassociated with opening walls, installing the required wiring and thenclosing and finishing the walls. This is over and above the installationof the flow control system itself.

Battery powered flow control systems suffer from the frequent need tochange batteries. This, therefore, requires that the system be installedin such a manner as to allow easy access to the battery compartment.Such a requirement can complicate the installation of the system.Further, an accessible battery compartment may be undesirable in apublic facility.

An attempt to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,876,100 to Yumita. The Yumita deviceincludes a water tap with a spout with a sensor for detecting a hand.The water tap is deployed above the counter top. Deployed below thecounter top and connected water supply pipe extending from the wall is asolenoid valve for controlling water flow. A small generator thatsupplies power to the valve system and sensor is attached to the outletof the valve assembly. A hose or pipe provides water flow from the valveassembly and generator to the water tap. A wire is used to connect thesensor to the valve controller. The Yumita device is complex and wouldseem to require professional installation.

There is therefore a need for a self-powered non-contact water outletappliance having a flow control system that is powered by a power supplyunit, and the flow control system and the power supply unit are mountedwithin at least one casing element that is deployable at a point of useas a unitary housing. It would be of benefit if the water outletappliance did not require professional installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a self-powered non-contact water outletappliance having a flow control system that is powered by a power supplyunit, and the flow control system and the power supply unit are mountedwithin at least one casing element that is deployable at a point of useas a unitary housing.

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided, aself-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance, comprising: a) anelectronically actuated flow control system; and b) a power supply unitincluding: i) a pipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluidflow passage configured in the outlet appliance, the pipeline-deployedelectric generator operatively responsive to a flow of fluid through thefluid flow passage; and ii) a power storage device charged by theelectric generator; wherein the flow control system is powered by thepower supply unit, and the flow control system, and the power supplyunit are mounted within at least one casing element that is deployableat a point of use as a unitary housing.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system includes an electronically actuated fluid flow controlvalve configured to control a flow of fluid through the outletappliance.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system includes at least one sensor configured to sense anecessity to actuate the flow control valve.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system includes a management system configured to manageoperation of the flow control valve conditional to output received fromthe at least one sensor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at leastone sensor is configured to detect the presence and absence of a user.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the managementsystem is configured to open the flow control valve when the sensordetects the presence of the user and to close the flow control valvewhen the sensor does not detect the presence of the user.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the sensor isa proximity sensor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the unitaryhousing includes a faucet

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the powerstorage device is a rechargeable battery.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the electricgenerator includes: a) a rotor having rotor blades extending outwardlyfrom a central axle, the rotor being deployed within the fluid flowpassage so as to be in a fluid flow path of the fluid flow passage suchthat a flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage effects rotation ofthe rotor, and at least a portion of at least one rotor blade of therotor is configured with magnetic properties; and b) an induction coildeployed so as to circumscribe an exterior of the fluid flow passage inproximity to the rotor such that a change in magnetic field caused byrotation of the rotor within the supply pipeline generates a flow ofelectric current in the induction coil.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, an insidediameter of the fluid flow passage is substantially unchanged throughouta length of the electric generator.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at leastone casing element is configured as two casing elements such that uponinstallation the two casing elements are interconnected so as to formthe unitary housing.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the presentinvention, a pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance comprising: a) anelectronically actuated flow control system; and b) a power supply unitincluding: i) a pipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluidflow passage configured in the outlet appliance, the pipeline-deployedelectric generator operatively responsive to a flow of fluid through thefluid flow passage; and ii) a power storage device charged by theelectric generator; wherein the flow control system is powered by thepower supply unit, and the flow control system and the power supply unitare pre-assembled within at least one casing element that is deployableat a point of use as a unitary housing, and a sole connection action bywhich the unitary housing is connected to a fluid supply renders thepre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance ready for use.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system includes an electronically actuated fluid flow controlvalve configured to control a flow of fluid through the outletappliance.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system includes at least one sensor configured to sense anecessity to actuate the flow control valve.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the unitaryhousing includes a faucet

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at leastone casing element is configured as two casing elements such that uponinstallation the two casing elements are interconnected so as to formthe unitary housing.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the unitaryhousing provides access to an inlet port of the fluid flow passage andthe sole connection action is the interconnection of the inlet port to afluid supply outlet.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the presentinvention, a method for providing non-contact control of a flow of fluidfrom a fluid flow outlet appliance, comprising: a) providingpre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance having: i) an electronicallyactuated flow control system; b) providing a power supply unitincluding: i) a pipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluidflow passage configured in the outlet appliance, the pipeline-deployedelectric generator operatively responsive to a flow of fluid through thefluid flow passage; and ii) a power storage device charged by theelectric generator; wherein the flow control system is powered by thepower supply unit, and the flow control system and the power supply unitare mounted within at least one casing element that is deployable at apoint of use as a unitary housing; c) deploying the at least one casingelement at the point of use as the unitary housing; d) performing a soleconnection action by which the pre-assembled fluid flow outlet applianceis connected to a fluid supply and rendered ready for use; and e)operating the pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system is implemented with an electronically actuated fluid flowcontrol valve configured to control a flow of fluid through the outletappliance.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system is implemented with at least one sensor configured tosense a necessity to actuate the flow control valve.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the flowcontrol system is implemented with a management system deployed in thecasing and configured to manage operation of the flow control valveconditional to output received from the at least one sensor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at leastone sensor is configured to detect the presence and absence of a user.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the managementsystem is implemented so as to open the flow control valve when thesensor detects the presence of the user and to close the flow controlvalve when the sensor does not detect the presence of the user.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the sensor isimplemented as a proximity sensor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the unitaryhousing is implemented so as to include a faucet.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the powerstorage device is implemented as a rechargeable battery.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the electricgenerator is implemented so as to have: a) a rotor having rotor bladesextending outwardly from a central axle, the rotor being deployed withinthe fluid flow passage so as to be in a fluid flow path of the fluidflow passage such that a flow of fluid through the fluid flow passageeffects rotation of the rotor, and at least a portion of at least onerotor blade of the rotor is configured with magnetic properties; and b)an induction coil deployed so as to circumscribe an exterior of thefluid flow passage in proximity to the rotor such that a change inmagnetic field caused by rotation of the rotor within the supplypipeline generates a flow of electric current in the induction coil.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the electricgenerator is implemented such that an inside diameter of the fluid flowpassage is substantially unchanged throughout a length of the electricgenerator.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at leastone casing element is configured as two casing elements such that uponinstallation the two casing elements are interconnected so as to formthe unitary housing.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the soleconnection action is performed as the interconnecting of an inlet portof the fluid flow passage to a fluid supply outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cutaway isometric view of a first preferred embodiment ofthe hydroelectric generator of the present invention seen from anupstream angle;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cutaway side elevation of a first preferredembodiment of a water outlet appliance constructed and operativeaccording to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cutaway side elevation of a second preferredembodiment of a water outlet appliance constructed and operativeaccording to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a preferred implementation of acombination generator and flow control system constructed and operativeaccording to the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an isometric cross section of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a self-powered non-contact water outletappliance having a flow control system that is powered by a power supplyunit, and the flow control system and the power supply unit are mountedwithin at least one casing element that is deployable at a point of useas a unitary housing.

The principles and operation of a self-powered non-contact water outletappliance according to the present invention may be better understoodwith reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

By way of introduction, for the purpose of example only, the wateroutlet appliance described herein is a water faucet configured fordeployment at a point of use such as, by non-limiting example, a sink.However, the principles of the present invention may be applied withequal benefit to numerous water outlet appliances such as, but notlimited to, drinking fountains, showers, toilets and urinals configuredfor connection to an existing water supply pipe and an appropriate pointof use. Further, it will be appreciated that the principles of thepresent invention may be applied with equal benefit to outlet appliancesassociated with flow systems other than water such as, but not limitedto compressed air systems, vacuum systems and fluid flow systemscarrying fluids other than water. Therefore, for ease of understandingthe principles of the present invention in relation to the drawings, thephrase “water outlet appliance” is used herein to relate to a largergeneric phrase of “fluid flow outlet appliances,” and the term “water”is used in lieu of the more generic term “fluid.”

The water outlet appliance of the present invention includes ahydroelectric generator that is deployed as part of the fluid flowpassage of the water outlet appliance through which the water flows. Thehydroelectric generator has the feature of being minimally invasive tothe flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage. It should be notedthat the term “hydroelectric” as used herein is not intended to limitthe present invention to the generation of electricity by the flow ofwater only. It is used herein loosely to refer to the generation ofelectricity by the flow of substantially any fluid, and especially theflow of fluid through a pipeline. Herein, the terms “hydroelectricgenerator” and “generator” may be used interchangeably.

The hydroelectric generator of the present invention provides apre-sealed, watertight device in which the rotor that includes theinduction magnets is deployed within the main flow passage of the wateroutlet appliance and thereby sealed within the flow passage, and theinduction coils are deployed outside of the flow passage such that thewater is sealed within the flow passage away from the induction coils.

The hydroelectric generator of the present invention has low flowresistance and low pressure-drop between the upstream and downstreamports. The flow of the water through the flow passage causes rotation ofthe rotor, which is deployed within the flow passage so as to be in theflow path of the water. The rotor has an axis of rotation that issubstantially parallel to the central axis of the generator housing andtherefore, to the water flow vector and the central axis of the flowpassage, at that point. It should be noted that the term “flow passage”as used herein refers to the conduit configured in the water outletappliance from the point of connection to the water supply systemthrough the appliance to the water outlet opening of the appliance. Therotor blades are configured with a low angle of attack. That is, theangle of the rotor blades to the vector of water flow is relatively lowin keeping with the feature of providing low flow impedance and a lowpressure-drop across the flow region of the generator.

The rotor, which is deployed within the water flow passage of thegenerator housing in the flow path of the water flowing through thepipeline, may be configured from magnetic material, or the rotor may beconfigured to carry magnets. The induction coils of the generator aredeployed on the outside of the flow passage. The change in magneticfield caused by the rotation of the rotor within the generator housinggenerates the flow of electric current in the induction coils.

The self-powered non-contact water outlet appliance of the presentinvention is configured so as to be deployed at a point of use as aunitary housing that encases a power supply unit and a flow controlsystem. The power supply unit includes a pipeline-deployed electricgenerator deployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outletappliance, the pipeline-deployed electric generator operativelyresponsive to a flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage; and apower storage device that is charged by the electric generator. The flowcontrol system includes an electronically actuated fluid flow controlvalve configured to control a flow of fluid through the outletappliance, at least one sensor configured to sense a necessity toactuate the flow control valve, and a management system configured tomanage operation of the flow control valve conditional to outputreceived from the at least one sensor.

Therefore, the water outlet appliance of the present invention may beconnected to substantially any suitable water system supply pipeline atthe point of use by performing a single connection action. As usedherein, the phrase “single connection action” refers to the actnecessary to connect the water outlet appliance of the present inventionto the water supply system. That action may be, but is not limited to,rotating the water outlet appliance so as to thread it on to a pipeextending from a wall or countertop for example, connecting a pipefitting configured on the end of a supply hose to a correspondingfitting configured on the water outlet appliance, and tightening a hoseclamp so as to secure a supply hose to a corresponding connectionconfigured on the water outlet appliance.

The water outlet appliance of the present invention is, therefore,particularly well suited for “do-it-yourself” installations and easyretrofit installations of such water outlet appliances as, but notlimited to, faucets, drinking fountains, showers, toilets and urinals,as mentioned above.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 offers a view of exemplarembodiments of the components of the generator 2. The generator housing10 is preferably formed as a unitary molded housing. The exterior of thegenerator housing 10 is configured with flanges 12 that extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the surface of the generator housing10. The flanges serve to hold the induction coils 14 on the generatorhousing 20 and in alignment with the rotor 20 deployed inside thegenerator housing 10. The rotor 20 is held in place by its axle 20 athat engages the axle support bearings 34 a and 34 configured in fixeddownstream axle support 16 and the upstream axle support 30. Thedownstream axle support 16 may be integrally formed with the generatorhousing 10. Alternatively, the downstream axle support 16 may be formedseparately and fixedly, or removably, attached to the generator housing10.

The upstream axle support 30 is configured to slide into the upstreamport 60 of the generator 2 until it abuts shoulder 36, and to engageribs 18 that correspond to grooves 18 a so as to restrict rotationalmovement of the upstream axle support 30. The upstream axle support 30may be held in place by, but not limited to, friction fit, a snap lockconfiguration, a snap ring, ultrasonic welding, the pressure of thewater flow against it, and in the case of a generator housing 10 withfemale threads, the abutment of the adjacent length of pipe. It shouldbe noted that the inside diameter of the upstream axle support 30 issubstantially the same as the inside diameter of the rest of the flowpassage of the generator 2, which is substantially the same as theinside diameter of the pipeline. Therefore, the cross-sectional flowarea of the generator flow passage, at substantially any point along thelength of the generator, is substantially the same as thecross-sectional flow area of the pipeline. This is in keeping with thefeature of being minimally invasive to the flow of water through thepipeline. The support fins 32 converge at the axle support bearing 34.The support fins 32 may be configured to direct water flow and/or reducewater turbulence within the generator 2.

The upstream 60 and downstream 62 ports of the generator housing 10 areconfigured with attachment pipe threads 64 as mentioned above.

The rotor 20 may be configured from material with magnetic properties,therefore, the entire rotor 20 may be magnetized as illustrated herein.The rotor may be configured from, but not limited to, metallicsubstances, ceramic substances or substantially any other suitablesubstance. Ceramic powder compression technology may be well suited formanufacturing the rotor 20 when a rotor with magnetic-ceramic propertiesis desired. Alternatively, rotor 20 may be configured to carry magnetsor each individual rotor blade 22 may be configured as a separatemagnet. In a further alternative embodiment, the rotor may include acircumferentially encasing cylinder that may include magnets, or thecylinder itself may be magnetized.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a first preferred embodiment of a wateroutlet appliance according to the present invention, a faucet 100. Theone-piece faucet housing 102 has a fluid flow passage 104 that extendsfrom the inlet port 106 to the outlet port 110. Therefore, the one-piecefaucet housing 102 is a unitary housing in which the various componentsof the present invention are mounted.

It will be understood that the inlet port 106 may be configured forconnection to substantially any fluid supply pipeline known in the art.As illustrated here, the inlet port 106 is configured with insidethreads for connection to pipe 108, which has exterior threads.Therefore, the faucet of embodiment 100 is supplied to the end userready for installation as a unitary faucet. In this embodiment, thesingle connection action required to attach the faucet to the watersupply system is to rotate the faucet housing 102 so as to engage thethreads on pipe 108 and continue rotating the faucet housing 102 untilit is securely attached and a watertight connection is made.

Both the generator 2 and the flow control system 120 which includes aflow control valve (not shown) are deployed within the faucet housing102 such that the fluid flow passage 104 passes through the generator 2and the flow control system 120. The flow of water through the generator2, therefore, provides the electricity necessary to power the flowcontrol system 120. At least one power storage device (not shown), suchas but not limited to, a rechargeable battery or other electroniccomponent, may be associated with the generator, thereby providing apower supply unit. The power storage device is capable of providinginitial power to open the flow control valve so as initiate the flow ofwater through the generator 2.

The flow control system 120 receives input from, and is responsive to,at least one sensor 122, which may be, but should not be limited to, aproximity sensor for example, configured to sense the necessity to openor close the flow control valve. The sensor may be remotely near thefaucet outlet 110 as is illustrated by sensor 122 a. Alternatively, thesensor may be integral to the flow control system circuitry which inturn abuts the faucet housing 102 in which is provided a sensor openingas is illustrated by sensor 122 b.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a second preferred embodiment of afaucet 200 according to the present invention. The faucet 200 has afluid flow passage 204 that extends from the inlet port 206 to theoutlet port 210. As illustrated here, the inlet port 206 is configuredwith inside threads for connection to a pipe or coupling having insidethreads. The two-piece faucet includes a faucet housing 202 a fordeployment above the counter top 250, and includes the outlet port 210,and a control system housing 202 b configured for deployment below thecounter top 250. The control system housing 202 b houses a flow controlsystem 220 and a generator 2 that are similar to the flow control systemand generator described above with regard to FIG. 2. Therefore, thefaucet of embodiment 200 is supplied to the end user ready forinstallation as two pieces that are connected upon installation and onceinstalled form a unitary housing.

As a non-limiting example of an installation procedure the embodimentillustrated here is configured such that the portion of the fluid flowpassage 204 configured in the faucet housing 202 a is configured withpipe threads that correspond to pipe threads configured in the flowcontrol valve (not shown) that is included in the flow control system220. Once installed, the fluid flow passage 204 passes from the inletport 206 through generator 2 and flow control system 220 to the outletport 210. As described above, the flow of water through the generator 2,therefore, provides the electricity necessary to power the flow controlsystem 220. Here too, the generator may be associated with at least onepower storage device such that the generator and power storage deviceprovide a power supply unit.

The flow control system 220 receives input from, and is responsive to,at least one sensor 222, which may be a proximity sensor for example,configured to sense the necessity to open or close the flow controlvalve. As illustrated here, the sensor may be remotely near the faucetoutlet 210. In this embodiment, wire 222 a that provides communicationbetween sensor 222 and the flow control system 220 is connected as partof the installation process.

Alternately, although not illustrated herein, the flow control system220 may be mounted in the faucet housing 202 a and the sensor may beconfigured integrally to the flow control system circuitry which in turnabuts the faucet housing 202 a in which would be provided a sensoropening as similar to that illustrated by sensor 122 b of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a preferred implementation of the generator 2and the flow control system 120 according to the teachings of thepresent invention. As illustrated, the generator 2 and the flow controlsystem 120 share a common generator housing 250. The flow control system120 is configured to operate the flow control valve 252 that is deployedin this length of the fluid flow passage 104. It should be noted thatflow control valve 250 may be configured on either the upstream side orthe downstream side of generator 2. Power is supplied from generator 2to the flow control system 120 by wire 254. It will be appreciated thatflow control valve 252 may be configured as substantially any valve knowin the art such as, but not limited to, a flap valve, a ball valve, agate valve and a diaphragm valve.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only toserve as examples and that many other embodiments are possible withinthe spirit and the scope of the present invention.

1. A self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance, comprising:(a) an electronically actuated flow control system: and (b) a powersupply unit including: (i) a pipeline-deployed electric generatordeployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet appliance,said pipeline-deployed electric generator operatively responsive to aflow of fluid through said fluid flow passage; and (ii) a power storagedevice charged by said electric generator; wherein said flow controlsystem is powered by said power supply unit, and said flow controlsystem, and said power supply unit are mounted within at least onecasing element that is deployable at a point of use as a unitaryhousing.
 2. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance ofclaim 1, wherein said flow control system includes an electronicallyactuated fluid flow control valve configured to control a flow of fluidthrough the outlet appliance.
 3. The self-powered non-contact fluid flowoutlet appliance of claim 2, wherein said flow control system includesat least one sensor configured to sense a necessity to actuate said flowcontrol valve.
 4. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outletappliance of claim 3, wherein said flow control system includes amanagement system configured to manage operation of said flow controlvalve conditional to output received from said at least one sensor. 5.The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 4,wherein said at least one sensor is configured to detect the presenceand absence of a user.
 6. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outletappliance of claim 5, wherein said management system is configured toopen said flow control valve when said sensor detects the presence ofsaid user and to close said flow control valve when said sensor does notdetect the presence of said user.
 7. The self-powered non-contact fluidflow outlet appliance of claim 5, wherein said sensor is a proximitysensor.
 8. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance ofclaim 1, wherein said unitary housing includes a faucet
 9. Theself-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 1, whereinsaid power storage device is a rechargeable battery.
 10. Theself-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 1, whereinsaid electric generator includes: (a) a rotor having rotor bladesextending outwardly from a central axle, said rotor being deployedwithin said fluid flow passage so as to be in a fluid flow path of saidfluid flow passage such that a flow of fluid through said fluid flowpassage effects rotation of said rotor, and at least a portion of atleast one rotor blade of said rotor is configured with magneticproperties; and (b) an induction coil deployed so as to circumscribe anexterior of said fluid flow passage in proximity to said rotor such thata change in magnetic field caused by rotation of said rotor within saidsupply pipeline generates a flow of electric current in said inductioncoil.
 11. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance ofclaim 10, wherein an inside diameter of said fluid flow passage issubstantially unchanged throughout a length of said electric generator.12. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 1,wherein said at least one casing element is configured as two casingelements such that upon installation said two casing elements areinterconnected so as to form said unitary housing.
 13. A pre-assembledfluid flow outlet appliance comprising: (a) an electronically actuatedflow control system; and (b) a power supply unit including: (i) apipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluid flow passageconfigured in the outlet appliance, said pipeline-deployed electricgenerator operatively responsive to a flow of fluid through said fluidflow passage; and (ii) a power storage device charged by said electricgenerator; wherein said flow control system is powered by said powersupply unit, and said flow control system and said power supply unit arepre-assembled within at least one casing element that is deployable at apoint of use as a unitary housing, and a sole connection action by whichsaid unitary housing is connected to a fluid supply renders thepre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance ready for use.
 14. Thepre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 13, wherein said flowcontrol system includes an electronically actuated fluid flow controlvalve configured to control a flow of fluid through the outletappliance.
 15. The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim14, wherein said flow control system includes at least one sensorconfigured to sense a necessity to actuate said flow control valve. 16.The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 13, wherein saidunitary housing includes a faucet
 17. The pre-assembled fluid flowoutlet appliance of claim 13, wherein said at least one casing elementis configured as two casing elements such that upon installation saidtwo casing elements are interconnected so as to form said unitaryhousing.
 18. The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 13,wherein said unitary housing provides access to an inlet port of saidfluid flow passage and said sole connection action is theinterconnection of said inlet port to a fluid supply outlet.
 19. Amethod for providing non-contact control of a flow of fluid from a fluidflow outlet appliance, comprising: (a) providing pre-assembled fluidflow outlet appliance having: (i) an electronically actuated flowcontrol system; (b) providing a power supply unit including: (i) apipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluid flow passageconfigured in the outlet appliance, said pipeline-deployed electricgenerator operatively responsive to a flow of fluid through said fluidflow passage; and (ii) a power storage device charged by said electricgenerator; wherein said flow control system is powered by said powersupply unit, and said flow control system and said power supply unit aremounted within at least one casing element that is deployable at a pointof use as a unitary housing; (c) deploying said at least one casingelement at said point of use as said unitary housing; (d) performing asole connection action by which said pre-assembled fluid flow outletappliance is connected to a fluid supply and rendered ready for use; and(e) operating said pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein said flow control system is implemented withan electronically actuated fluid flow control valve configured tocontrol a flow of fluid through the outlet appliance.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein said flow control system is implemented with at leastone sensor configured to sense a necessity to actuate said flow controlvalve.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said flow control system isimplemented with a management system deployed in said casing andconfigured to manage operation of said flow control valve conditional tooutput received from said at least one sensor.
 23. The method of claim22, wherein said at least one sensor is configured to detect thepresence and absence of a user.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein saidmanagement system is implemented so as to open said flow control valvewhen said sensor detects the presence of said user and to close saidflow control valve when said sensor does not detect the presence of saiduser.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein said sensor is implemented asa proximity sensor.
 26. The method of claim 19, wherein said unitaryhousing is implemented so as to include a faucet.
 27. The method ofclaim 19, wherein said power storage device is implemented as arechargeable battery.
 28. The method of claim 19, wherein said electricgenerator is implemented so as to have: (a) a rotor having rotor bladesextending outwardly from a central axle, said rotor being deployedwithin said fluid flow passage so as to be in a fluid flow path of saidfluid flow passage such that a flow of fluid through said fluid flowpassage effects rotation of said rotor, and at least a portion of atleast one rotor blade of said rotor is configured with magneticproperties; and (b) an induction coil deployed so as to circumscribe anexterior of said fluid flow passage in proximity to said rotor such thata change in magnetic field caused by rotation of said rotor within saidsupply pipeline generates a flow of electric current in said inductioncoil.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein said electric generator isimplemented such that an inside diameter of said fluid flow passage issubstantially unchanged throughout a length of said electric generator.30. The method of claim 19, wherein said at least one casing element isconfigured as two casing elements such that upon installation said twocasing elements are interconnected so as to form said unitary housing.31. The method of claim 19, wherein said sole connection action isperformed as the interconnecting of an inlet port of said fluid flowpassage to a fluid supply outlet.